Growing Hearts, Minds & Spirits at UUCSR
At the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, our Religious Education program is more than Sunday school—it’s a journey of discovery, connection, and purpose.
For parents, it’s knowing your children are safe, welcomed, and encouraged to ask big questions about life and the world around them. For kids, it’s hands-on fun—stories, art, games, music, and service projects that spark curiosity and build confidence. For teens, it’s a place to explore who you are, connect with friends who share your values, and take on projects that make a real difference.
From newborns to high school seniors, we offer an age-appropriate path for every stage of growth—helping young people find their voice, live their values, and step into the world with courage and compassion.
Join us on Sundays at 11:00am and be part of a community where hearts open, minds grow, and spirits shine.
The Playroom: Newborns to Age 3
Our Playroom is a warm, joyful, and safe space where our youngest children are cared for by loving, professional staff. While parents and caregivers attend worship or other congregational activities, little ones discover the world around them—learning new skills, expressing emotions, and beginning to share in the joys and challenges of being with others.
Spirit Play: Age 4 to Grade 2
Spirit Play invites children to explore life’s big questions through the wonder of story, ritual, and play, inspired by the Montessori method. Each session begins with an engaging story told through an interactive, hands-on approach. After “wondering time,” where children share thoughts and feelings (without right or wrong answers), they are free to explore the story through art, building, or other creative activities. This mix of structure and choice builds community, fosters independent thinking, and encourages a deep sense of spirituality
Feasts & Festivals: Grade 3
In Feasts & Festivals, we celebrate the world’s rich tapestry of cultures and religions through cooking, costumes, crafts, song, and dance. By exploring diverse customs, we discover our shared humanity and the values that connect us to children everywhere.
Toolbox of Faith: Grade 4
Toolbox of Faith introduces children to the values that shape our UU faith—integrity, courage, love, and more—as practical “tools” for living. Through stories, games, crafts, music, and conversation, children reflect on these shared values, gaining insight into how to use them to make meaningful decisions in their daily lives.
The Questing Year: Grades 5 & 6
This engaging program invites junior youth on four “quests” that connect spiritual exploration with action: Mystery Quest, UU Quest, Action Quest, and Inner Quest. Along the way, they participate in retreats, service projects, and fundraising activities—culminating in a Bridging ceremony that celebrates their growth and commitment to making a difference in the world.
Crossing Paths: Grades 7 & 8
Rooted in over 70 years of UU religious education, Crossing Paths helps youth explore their own faith identity by engaging with other traditions, such as Buddhism, Quakerism, Paganism, and Humanism. Through experiential learning, field trips, and family-centered activities, participants discover the wisdom of “Many Mountains, Many Paths,” honoring the beauty of other faiths while deepening their grounding in UU values.
Senior Seminar: Grades 9-12
Our Senior High Youth Group is a vibrant, welcoming community where youth explore spirituality, justice, leadership, and friendship. Together with adult advisors, they engage in Sunday sessions, retreats, youth conferences, service trips, and worship experiences. High School Seniors have the opportunity to reflect on their spiritual journey and participate in a Bridging ceremony marking their transition to young adulthood.
Our Whole Lives (OWL): Lifespan
OWL is a holistic, comprehensive, values-based program on human sexuality for all ages. It goes beyond the physical to include spiritual, emotional, and cultural dimensions, helping participants make responsible, healthy decisions grounded in their own values. Taught by trained facilitators, OWL includes a parent/caregiver orientation for K–12 programs. OWL is a joint program of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ.
Upcoming Sessions (Grades 7–9) Fridays, 6:00–8:00pm
• September 12 (Parent/Caregiver Orientation)
• September 19, October 3 & 17, November 7 & 14, December 12
Grades 5-6 and Grades 10-12 classes will begin in early 2026, dates to be announced
As we say each Sunday:
Love is the doctrine of this congregation, the quest for truth is its sacrament, and service is its prayer. To dwell together in peace, to seek knowledge in freedom, to serve human need – this do we affirm and covenant with each other.
For information on Religious Education (RE) programs, please contact:
Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore
Minister of Lifespan Religious Education
516.472.2918
nfenimore@uucsr.org